Alan Mazzotti, a pumpkin grower in Colorado, faced challenges in his pumpkin crop this year due to unusual weather patterns. Despite abundant snowfall in the previous winter, his reservoir remained depleted, leading to water delivery being cut in half. Heavy rains in May and June further delayed planting for many farmers. The combination of water scarcity and extreme heat affected pumpkin yields in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado, with some farmers losing 20% or more of their predicted harvests. Rising labor costs and inflation have also impacted farmers’ profitability. Pumpkins can survive hot, dry weather to some extent, but this summer’s record-breaking temperatures posed significant challenges. In addition, irrigation costs have increased as groundwater levels decline. Other farmers have also experienced rising energy bills due to the cost of pumping water. Groundwater depletion, lack of deep moisture, and reduced precipitation due to climate change continue to pose long-term challenges for pumpkin growers. Despite the difficulties, some farmers remain determined to continue farming pumpkins, while others see little future in the industry.
Pumpkins grown in Illinois had a successful harvest, but Texas farmers had to decide whether to risk early harvesting or miss the start of the fall pumpkin rush due to the hot weather. Lindsey Pyle, a pumpkin farmer in North Texas, observed a 20% yield loss and noted that pumpkins can be difficult to predict earlier in the growing season. Steven Ness, a farmer in New Mexico, highlighted the rising cost of irrigation and emphasized the issue of groundwater depletion affecting farmers in the region. Pumpkins require manual harvesting and preparation, which adds additional labor costs. The H-2A program provides guest workers, but recent laws in Colorado mandating overtime pay make it challenging to compete with states where laborers are paid less. Mazzotti, a Colorado farmer, expressed concerns about the future of pumpkin farming due to rising labor costs and other challenges, saying that his children are unlikely to continue the family tradition.
Climate and environmental coverage by the Associated Press receives support from various private foundations. AP is responsible for all content.
